Search for missing teens called off near New Denver

It’s news no family wants to hear, but the police search for three young men, who drowned last week in the Kootenays, has been officially called off.

The bodies of 15-year old Jule Wiltshire-Padfield, 19-year old Skye Donnet and 21-year old Hayden Kyle, who haven’t been seen since May 10th, still haven’t been recovered and RCMP Sgt. Darryl Little says an extensive search of Slocan Lake near New Denver has failed.

“Well, we feel that we’ve searched for ten days. We weren’t successful in locating them. The terrain and the depth of the lake is really hampering any search efforts in trying to locate these kids and we just feel it’s time.”

Little says the case remains open and active, but the families now have to decide if it’s worth continuing the search using a private company.

But the families don’t have to give up hope yet.

A private volunteer rescue team is ready to pack up and head to Slocan Lake to continue the search for the bodies at any given moment.

Scott Lebus, with the Legacy Water Search and Recovery Society “We are ready, willing and able, it’s just a matter of… the family has to decide. They are going through a terrible time right now and they really need to decide what they want to do. It’s up to them”

He says while the team is ready to help, the depths of the water will prove to be a challenge for any recovery team.